Just when I think I have heard it all seen it all experienced it all something will happen that brings it all back. It can be anything but my reaction is always the same. My breath catches in my throat, my heart literally skips a beat then aches and fight the tears back with all my might. Today it was a song on the radio. I had reached over and hit the scan button on the car radio and the song hit me. “Angel Flight” I knew what those words meant. To me those two words hold more meaning than most who had their dial set to the same station.
The song is about bringing home a fallen brother. To some this would seem a grim duty but to those who have served this particular mission they understand the honor of it. To those of us who have had a son brought home we understand the comfort of knowing our loved one was escorted and never for a moment alone on his journey home.
Micheal’s escort from Dover AFB was Sgt John Lee. I remember the moment I met him. He held out his hand for me to shake and seemed surprised when I hugged him and thanked him for bringing my baby home. I’m sure he had been briefed on proper etiquette and what to expect we (but as we were often told throughout this) are not normal. We invited him to join us at our home. Which he refused. He was the last to leave the funeral home the night we brought Micheal home.. the last to leave after the visitation. He made sure Micheal was well cared for and everything was in order.
Later Jason and I would talk and soon became friends. I have watched as his own son has grown. I have kept track of his changing life and I have sat across the table and shared meals with him. At times it is a little weird when we think about how we met because we have become friends.
One night while on CQ with another soldier he listened to the complete story of what happened the day Micheal died. He is the one who told me the 1Sgt never let go of Micheal’s hand. He never told me everything because it didn’t feel right over the phone and when we were face to face the time was just never right. Someday maybe but now I know most of it and it will be easier for us both if it is a conversation we have.
So as I sat in my car at a stoplight listening to the song “ Angel Flight” my thoughts turned to Sgt Lee and Micheal.. and how they “met”. And to the many other families who will have someone escort their loved one home. And I wonder if the average person listening to the song has any idea how powerful the words are to those of us who have had someone on an “Angel Flight” either bringing or being brought home.
The Song “Angel Flight” is By Radney Foster. It’s dedicated to the Red River 44. Which makes it even more personal since we have become friends with one of the Red River 44 families and have met many of them….
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by Knottienature: New Blog Post: Angel Flight http://knottiesniche.com/2009/11/23/angel-flight/ #sot #honorthefallen #militarymon…
Wow…I’d never heard that song before, very touching.
How do they decide who gets to escort a soldier home? Is it random?
They volunteer to go. Its’ yet another selfless act that these fine people do for each other.
Long after my brother passed I would start balling with just the slightest reminder of him. Tough times! It gets better, but never goes away – he’s always with me.
It all depends on what triggers the memory I guess. There are times where some sight, smell, song or show on the TV comes on and it hits you.
My son is doing everything he can to become a Marine. He’s a man now and has to make his own decisions. He wants Light Weapons Infantry…
It is some small comfort to know that if they have to bring him home at some point, people are out there that will not only understand, but who will handle this most important task in a way that reinforces that what we’re doing really, really matters, and is really, really important.
I hope that day never comes. But I know that if it does…
Thank you a million times for your son and those who gave their lives for our country Knottie and to you and your family…families. Give up on America after their sacrifice? NEVER! THEY are the reason we are great, they are the reason we fight! I never have enough right words to say…yet I love them so much…but your posts is awesome and the song too! LOVE you my sweet and dear friend!
I am a former Marine Helicopter pilot and flew in Desert Storm. When I heard this song, I stopped dead in my tracks!! Our Troops put it on the line everyday for each and everyone of us!! Thank God or their sacrifices and I pray that Angels surround and protect them every second of everyday!!
awesome song!!!!!! what more needs to be said
Knottie:
Thanks so much for sharing your story and mentioning this song.
Radney is donating proceeds of the song to the Texas National Guard Family Support foundation. The song and video are currently in the Top 20 on GAC (Great American Country). This is quite a big deal since it is an independent project, and not financed by a major label.
I am going to send out a message to Radney’s fans to keep voting for the Top 20, to keep the song in the countdown, and get it in front of a larger audience. Would you mind if I used some of your words, to show how much the song means, especially to those whose have lost loved ones.
Thanks,
Cyndi Foster
When I was driving into work as a deputy with a major county in Houston, Texas I heard this song and it stopped me in my tracks. I started to cry. At first I thought if was about a police officer, deputy or some type of law enforcement. The announcer didn’t say anything except who had sung the song. As soon as I arrived at work I researched the song. I know the sacrifice each and every soldier make for our Great Country. It is not only the soldiers fighting for our freedom but the soldiers that are still dying from previous wars in Vietnam and Desert Storm. I have had two friends die due to complications from exposures from the Vietnam war. We continue to loose our dedicated women and men each day. To each of you my love and support and gratitude I dedicate so that my children and grandchildren can live in the greatest Nation on Earth.